DA opens probe of coroner's office after 2 firing lawsuits

Sep. 13, 2017

SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) — A district attorney announced he's investigating possible misconduct in a Pennsylvania county coroner's office following two lawsuits filed recently.

But Monroe County DA E. David Christine Jr. says Tuesday that his investigation predates the lawsuits and that "no finding of wrongdoing has been made to date."

The first lawsuit, filed by former Deputy Coroner Lauren Fizz, claims she was fired after reporting the Coroner Robert Allen's wife — also a deputy in the office — stole from the dead and boasted of extramarital affairs, creating a hostile work environment.

A second lawsuit filed this week by Chief Deputy Michael Sak alleged sexual misconduct on behalf of Kathleen Allen, mirrors many of Fizz's claims.

The Allens and an attorney for the county haven't commented on the allegations.